In the past few weeks, since I began writing regularly on my blog again, I’ve had several readers contact me, expressing a desire to write and share their own stories.
Conversations with these sweet women encouraged me to think about why writing our stories is so powerful, and so needed, even if you don’t choose to (or can’t) share publicly.
I’ve already written how writing my story saved my life (I know, it sounds like click-bait, but it really is true). Writing my story, and then sharing it publicly, has been very, very hard, but I plan to continue. The benefits of writing (and now, for me, sharing publicly) are numerous.
Today I’ve got a quick list for you:
10 benefits I’ve discovered from writing my story
1. Writing my story helps me sort through the jumbled mess of thoughts in my head and make sense of them. Sometimes I don’t know what I think about a topic until I write my thoughts down.
2. Writing my story helps me “own” it.
3. Writing my story is “free” therapy. Not easy, but definitely therapeutic.
4. Writing my story reminds me of God’s faithfulness in my life.
5. Writing my story allows me to look back and see growth in my life.
6. Writing my story encourages others who find themselves in a similar situation… “She made it through this overwhelming situation… maybe I will make it through as well.”
7. Hearing that my story has resonated with or encouraged others, brings me so much joy because I see God creating “beauty from ashes” in my own life.
8. The world needs more brave storytellers! Your true, brave story can make the world safer, more loving and empathetic for others facing similar challenges.
9. Shining a light on abuse and other “shameful” topics helps reduce their power over us (and others). The world needs more brave storytellers who will tell their hard stories… stories of grief, abuse, and/or mental illness. These topics are still somewhat taboo, especially in the Christian community. It’s time to break the silence and let others know that they are not alone.
10. Please know that writing your story is brave, even if you don’t share it publicly. Stories written privately still cause a positive ripple effect of public benefits.
Sometimes writing or telling your story is one of the bravest things you can do, both for yourself and for others.
Be brave friends. I believe in you.
